York and Lviv to deepen ties as cities share expertise

Summits linking logistics, engineering and technology firms and joint projects in the latest rail systems were also discussed in recent talks on sisterhood relationship between the two cities continue.

York Council’s Labour Leader Cllr Claire Douglas said the combining of their strengths would help to shape a thriving and resilient future for both cities.

Lviv’s Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said international support was helping his city to endure, develop and build its future under the extremely challenging conditions of all-out war.

Talks between York Council, Lviv’s mayor and Ukrainian representatives mark the latest development in efforts to strengthen ties between the cities which began in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A meeting also took place in York in April following calls to complete the sisterhood process.

The process remains unfinished three years after councillors first backed Liberal Democrats calls for York to adopt the western Ukrainian city as its sibling.

The status sees cities work closely together on areas including culture, education, business and other issues, according to Sister Cities International.

York and Lviv both have UNESCO Creative City and World Heritage designations.

A total of 416 Ukrainians have sought refuge in York since the start of the war in 2022 up to December, according to Government figures.

Recent talks saw officials discuss how they could build on Lviv’s ambition to become a European transport hub with the help of York links and expertise including in civil engineering.

York’s rail tech sector and its railway heritage could offer insights for Lviv to support its transport expansion as part of the partnership.

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Joint business summits were also discussed to grow links between firms which several York companies have already established with those based in Lviv.

The sharing of military education and emergency planning expertise could support Lviv’s training academies and resilience infrastructure.

York Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Cullwick (third left) when he was lord mayor and welcomed a delegation from Ukraine including Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi (fourth right). Picture: York Liberal Democrats

York committed to humanitarian aid including supporting relief missions to Lviv and Dnipro and helping arrivals from Ukraine with housing, education and work.

Council Leader Cllr Douglas said York’s economic strengths were tools the city could share to rebuild and empower Lviv.

The council leader said: “York’s rail innovation and civil engineering are not just local assets.

“This partnership is about more than solidarity, it’s about action.”

Lviv Mayor Mr Sadovyi said co-operation with York and the desire to share experiences in areas of critical importance for his city were highly valued.

The official said: “This is not just about exchanging ideas, but about real joint projects.

“In particular, we are considering opportunities to launch initiatives in the railway sector, develop urban infrastructure, and participate in programmes related to rehabilitation and sustainability.”

Cllr Chris Cullwick, York’s lord mayor when the sisterhood process began, said progress was welcome but the council needed to go further and formalise the relationship.

The Liberal Democrat said: “At a time when Ukraine is still under brutal attack, York has the opportunity to show real leadership by securing this partnership.

“Formalising our sisterhood with Lviv would send a clear message: that our support is not temporary, it is lasting, and that York will stand with Ukraine not only in times of crisis, but in rebuilding and renewal for years to come.”

The council’s Conservative group leader Cllr Chris Steward said the country must continue to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s attack.

Cllr Steward said: “We welcome moves to progress relationships with Ukraine in terms of the twinning with Lviv and we will watch developments.

“At this stage there is no detail in this supposed progression though, that will hopefully tangibly emerge.”

The war in Ukraine remains ongoing despite attempts to get talks going between Kyiv and Moscow on a ceasefire and peace deal.

Estimates put the number of people killed or wounded in the conflict as high as one million though official casualty statstics are not published.